From the collection of and generously lent by Chris and Diana Treadway.

The Official Negro Directory and Classified Buyers' Guide (1942-1943). Compiled and published by New Age Publishing Company, Warren C. Vinston, President, Los Angeles, California. Includes Residential Lists, Classified Buyers' Guide, Who's Who Compilations. Sections for cities throughout California, Oregon and Washington State.

From the Introdution by Warren C. Vinston and Anita Grant:

"We are pleased with OUR achievement. This is not an achievement of the compilers but of the Race. This directory is symbolic of the unity of our people. The ministers, the press, the radio, clubs, organizations, our many many satisfied customers and our loyal and faithful friends, all have consolidated their forces for the success of the publication. The success of the Northern California section is due to the untiring work of Mr. Ben Watkins, Northern California District Manager, and his staff of enthusiastic workers. The addition of the states of Oregon and Washington is due directly to the Race loyalty and pioneering spirit of Mr. Stanton H. Duke, State Compiler of Oregon, and the energetic and courageous undertaking by Mr. S. T. McCants, State Compiler of Washington. Already there is a demand for the expansion of our services to other parts of the country. Therefore it may be necessary to publish our next edition under a new and more comprehensive name. 

"The aim of our directory is to offer the following services: (1) A complete list of the businesses, professions, trades and services in each Negro District as well as all businesses elsewhere who welcome Negro patronage (spending money in our districts and with those who want our patronage helps to improve our districts, make opportunities and reflects our interest in community development). (2) A complete pictorial Who's Who of service to acquaint the general public with the people who are making contributions to the growth, progress and betterment of our race. (3) A complete list of Negroes over age 16. (It is to the economic advantage of all to be listed whether a student, married or single, with or without a phone and whether a home owner, renter, or roomer.) Our slogan is, "The name of every Negro and a Directory in every home." How well we succeed in achieving our aim depends largely upon how well each race-loving person cooperates. Give your subscription now and patronize the advertisers whose advertisements appear within these pages. 

"Always mention the California Negro Directory when you phone or buy. Next to your Bible use it most."

From the "Anniversary Greetings" by Mayor Fletcher Bowrun, Mayor of Los Angeles:

"Since it made its first appearance in August, 1939, the California Negro Directory has continued to expand and grow. The very fact that it has enjoyed growth and expansion is convincing proof that it is capably performing a needed service for the thousands of Negro citizens in Southern California. Furthermore, it is evident that the progress and success of the Directory reflects to a considerable degree the development of the Negro district in Los Angeles during recent years. 

"A large city, such as Los Angeles, is composed of many racial groups, each being an integral part of the community. The Negro district here, concentrated largely in the Central Avenue area, is one of the most important groups. With its numbers approaching 100,000 it has a buying power that is tremendous. The 

Directory can, and undoubtedly does, play a leading part in guiding that purchasing capacity.

"With the issuance and the fifth edition, I extend my greetings to the many users of the Directory and my best wishes for its continued success."